Job Summary

The Deputy Chief of Staff advances institutional mission and priorities through transparent, timely, impactful and authentic communications and event execution while elevating San José State University’s reputation, priorities and leadership voices. The role, reporting to the Chief of Staff and Senior Associate Vice President within the Office of the President, is responsible for producing, organizing, managing and executing multi-channel communication strategies, content production, and executive events on behalf of the President and senior leaders. The role is responsible for contributing to executive event management and communications strategy development while cultivating and maintaining effective relationships across the university including senior leadership, departments (such as Academic Affairs, Advancement, Athletics, Finance and Administration, Information Technology, University Personnel, and University Marketing and Communications) and community partners. The role ensures cogent articulation of the President’s goals, objectives and priorities in the delivery of the university’s mission, values and strategic direction through comprehensive and integrated, multi-channel communications strategies including — and not limited to — speechwriting, presentations, event management, scripts (event and video), social media content, high-profile correspondence, special reports, university-owned communication platforms website, and stakeholder and campus messaging. The Deputy Chief of Staff contributes to the operational efficiency, quality customer service, and effectiveness within the Office of the President and/or University President. The role requires a proactive, strategic thinker with an eye toward excellence and a high standard of ethics, discretion and confidentiality in dealing with internal and external constituencies and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for producing communications strategies and content that translate complexities to diverse audiences (internal and external).
• Create and contribute to the creation of messages across multiple platforms including social media, website and planning calendars on behalf of the President.
• Guide recommendations for which medium/channel is most effective (ie. video/website/written/email/social, use of digital twin etc.).
• Plan and execute executive-level events, with both lead and supporting responsibilities, including but not limited to Fall and Spring Welcome, issue-specific town halls, and commencement.
• Develop program overviews and guidelines and manage project administration and implementation timelines.
• Draft, track and maintain communication effectiveness through data, metrics, and outcomes toward impact to ensure achievement of goals using project management platforms.
• Lead proactive communications strategy on behalf of executive and presidential communications to inform and engage campus constituents and project stakeholders.
• Develop a deep understanding of the multiple internal and external audiences of Presidential communication and uses that understanding in tailoring messaging.
• Conduct research and/or assessments to develop project/initiative processes, timelines, budgets, resources, and schedules.
• Partner with and develop strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as an advisor to the Chief of Staff and Senior Associate Vice President along with other campus leaders, keeping them informed of changing context and emerging issues that could affect the university’s mission, and reputation, or impact the success of the implementation of institutional initiatives and projects.
• Prepare executive-level presentations, summaries, reports, briefings, talking points, and other communications for the President and other senior leaders.
• Partner with and develop strong relationships with key community groups and leaders on issues relevant to Presidential initiatives including the operations management and creation of communications and appreciation deliverables such as collateral and gift acknowledgements.
• Conduct research and prepare reports and white papers as delegated by the Chief of Staff, Executive Leadership and President.
• Serve as an ambassador of the Office of the President.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned to include activities, operations, and special events of the Office of the President.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of methods for researching and identifying communication needs and target audiences through knowledge of web and social media communication platforms, tools and best practices
• Knowledge or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure, policies and procedures and turn it into clear, persuasive communications
• Knowledge of interview techniques to effectively define and deliver messages; ability to interview, research and write for web, print and social media
• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to discrimination, harassment or related in a public sector organization
• Demonstrated experience in effective use of web technology to achieve communication goals
• Demonstrated technology savviness, including knowledge and experience in various communication channels, project management, and data capture platforms to design and capture multichannel content distribution
• Demonstrated ability to handle high-level sensitive and confidential information is necessary
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, including communicating with empathy, accuracy, and cultural competency at all work levels
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, use, and present data as part of the project management process is necessary
• Ability to develop a deep understanding of San Jose State University’s mission, vision, institutional initiatives, and strategic plan

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, English, or related field
• Five to seven years of professional experience writing executive or legislative communications for public or private sector senior executives
• Demonstrated excellent written communication skills, specifically as an executive speechwriter
• Experience managing voice and message strategies
• Demonstrated ability to develop, analyze, use, and present data and metrics as part of the project management process
• Experience organizing and executing high visibility in person events
• Experience working effectively with a wide range of collaborators—including academic environments, executive leadership, stakeholders, influencers, staff, alumni, community groups, donors and elected officials    

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, English, or related field
• Experience working within an academic setting
• Minimum of eight years of experience working on executive-level projects
• Experience working with confidential and sensitive information
• Experience with data visualization tools, web editing and graphic design
• Experience using digital and multichannel platforms including web, social media and traditional formats to effectively communicate to a portfolio of diverse audiences
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment
• Experience in an institutional/educational environment utilizing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude

Compensation

Classification: Administrator II
Anticipated Hiring Range: $10,833/month - $11,667/month
CSU Salary Range: $5,053/month - $16,221/month

The final hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: October 8, 2025 through October 20, 2025. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment, and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third-party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San José State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

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